Finding A Mentor

Posted on January 18, 2008
Filed Under Finding Professionals |

The source of the modern term “Mentor” comes from Greek Mythology, in the classic tale of “The Odyssey.” Today, it is a synonym for a trusted friend, counselor, or teacher. It’s usually a more experienced person in the same field or art that can give guidance and support to a novice. You don’t need a mentor for just specific jobs or crafts; you can even have a mentor for life in general.

If obtaining a mentor is something you’re interested in, then you first need to establish what you’d like your mentor to do for you. It’s key to consider the types of services you want your prospective mentor to provide. These services can be either profession and/or personal in nature. A good mentor may also have the resources to help you network with others in your field. However, you might also want to use your mentor as a neutral party, as someone to listen and offer advice.

Before you research too extensively, first see whether your current employer, your college alma mater, or other organization with which you’re associated already has a formal mentoring program available. In these structured arrangements, participants are sometimes given personality assessments so that “mentees” can be matched with compatible mentors. Conversely, some have found that when mentors and mentees are very different, greater opportunities for discovery emerge.

If you are going to take on the task of finding someone yourself, then first identify someone you admire and respect. You can select someone from your own place of employment or outside it - or both; some people have more than one mentor to discuss different areas of their life. Definitely decide what qualities you need in a mentor, and which skills you’d like to develop further with your mentor’s assistance. Consider your goals in choosing a mentor. You may want to do a bit of sleuthing to find out what your prospective mentor is like. Ask yourself questions like, “What is his or her communication style?” Ask the would-be mentor’s co-workers and subordinates for their insights.

Whomever you choose, choose carefully, as these relationships often stick with you for the rest of your life.

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